EXHIBIT TO HIGHLIGHT MEDALS OF CHRISTIAN GOBRECHT

Franklin Institute Medal

Franklin Institute Medal, 50mm. Gobrecht engraved this obverse design in 1825 and was paid $100 by the Franklin Institute upon completion. The 1824 date on the obverse is the founding date for the Institute. The dies were provided to the U.S. Mint which struck the medals. This piece is a bronzed-copper exam-ple with a “Second Premium” reverse (not of Gobrecht design) issued in 1874 to the American Machine Company, for their Crown Clothes Wringer. Interesting to note that this example also appears to be overstruck on a reverse of the Franklin Institute Reward of Skill and Ingenuity medal.

New England Society for Promotion of Man-ufactures and Mechanic Arts Medal

New England Society for Promotion of Manufactures and Mechanic Arts Medal, 63mm. Gobrecht’s largest medal and often considered his most impressive and beautiful design. Sometimes called the “Archimedes Medal” due the obverse. The 1826 date on the ob-verse is the bounding date of the Society. Gobrecht himself was awarded the first of these medals for his skill and excellence in the creation of the dies. This medal was also struck by the U.S. Mint and is the only one of Gobrecht’s medals that is punched with C.GOBRECHT.F on both obverse and reverse. It is considered a scarce and important U.S. Mint medal. This piece is a silver example issued in 1839 to Mrs. Edward Brooks, for her embroidery.

Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Medal

Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Medal, 39mm. Perhaps the longest used of Gobrecht’s medal designed, issued by MCMA from 1837 until at least 1892, all were struck by the U.S. Mint. It is an interesting ‘seated’ design from the Gobrecht Dollar period, with a similar diameter and C.GOBRECHT.F punched on the obverse design. This piece is a silver example awarded in 1844 to Mrs. Coindreau, for her specimen of embroidery.

For more information on the Liberty Seated Collectors Club, see:
www.lsccweb.org

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web